While meeting new people over the last few weeks, the common question I’ve been asked is “Why did you start your business?” Great question. While the answer can’t be boiled down to just one reason, there was basically one motivating reason. To help companies reduce complacency in the workplace. This week I am going to share with you some of the common symptoms of complacency I saw in the workplace, offer some insight into how to combat them.
Complacency in the Workplace
Businesses either grow or die. And remember, that if your business is growing slower than your competition, you are in the process of dying. Some business owners might think this is acceptable, as long as they can ride it out until retirement. But think about it, if your business is dying, how well are you really servicing your clients? Are they getting the high level of service they expect or deserve? You’ll have to answer that question. Today I am going to explore a few examples of complacency that I saw and offer some solutions to help reinvigorate you and your team!
That’s just how it is
I’ve also worked with teams that struggle with the same problem from project to project for decades. DECADES! I have watched people work themselves to burn out because they just keep fighting the same problem repeatedly. Eventually these people just accept the problems as the normal course of life and continuously live on the edge of burnout. This is not healthy for your company, and not healthy for your employees! As the famous infomercial line goes, “there has to be a better way!” There is!
Comfort
The second symptom of complacency I have seen is the talented employee who had early success in their career only to flatline early only to stop growing. I get it. Early in our careers, we don’t have a lot to learn and a whole lot to gain by taking risks. As careers progress, our reputation is on the line, maybe we have a family and can’t risk losing a paycheck. Whatever the cause, I have seen talented people basically do the same job, year after year for twenty years, or more! I don’t know about you but doing the same thing for that long just doesn’t sound exciting to me. These people peak in their early 30’s and from there are just waiting to retire. Even though these people are filling a need, are they helping your company grow? Are they realizing their potential? No, and that is sad.
What can you can do?
The good news is that both these conditions are curable, and your company can still thrive. The bad news is there isn’t a singular solution. You are dealing with human beings, and now two humans are exactly alike. When I work with companies dealing with these conditions, I teach leaders to connect with their employees. Not in a superficial team building way, like happy hours or lunch outings, but in a meaningful way. Take time to talk to every individual on your team. Understand their journey, where they have been, where they are, and where they want to go. Learn what motivated them. It isn’t your job to motivate employees, but you can help create a culture, job, assignment, career path etc., that aligns with their motivations. Meet with your team and co-create a development and career plan for each employee and help them achieve it.
When you do this, your team will be more motivated, creative, and innovative.
This Week’s Challenge
Find time to meet with your employees and talk about their journey and aspirations. Help them create a development path that is inspiring to them and aligns with your company’s mission. When you do this, you’ll begin to challenge the status quo and your business will begin to thrive.
As a loyal reader I am offering a 25% discount on our motivational assessments. Do you want to know what motivates your employees? Contact us now and let’s have a conversation.
If you would like to discuss more ways to help your business grow or if you feel you have a specific problem that needs to be addressed, please reach out to me.